Planning Wedding Receptions
By Nina Callaway, About.com Guide
Wedding Reception Basics

Before you can get to the fun stuff like decorations, music, and food, you'll need to know a few wedding reception basics. Put together a timeline, figure out what style of wedding reception you want, consult your wedding budget and find a place to hold it.
- What Kind of Wedding Reception is Right for You?
- Wedding Reception Timeline
- Finding a Wedding Reception Venue
Menus and Caterers
Food and drink are some of the most important parts of your wedding reception - after all if they're well fed and have a great cocktail, they're sure to have a good time.
- Finding a Wedding Caterer
- How to Set a Wedding Menu
- Top 10 Inexpensive Champagnes and Sparkling Wines
- Signature Wedding Cocktails
Wedding Cake

Wedding cakes are the grand finale to a reception - so shouldn't they be breathtaking? Here is advice on how to find a wedding cake baker and questions you should ask. If you're interested in making your own wedding cake, or making one for another family member, check out the step-by-step guide to making and decorating a wedding cake.
- Questions to ask Your Wedding Cake Baker or Designer
- Illustrated Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Wedding Cake at Home
Wedding Reception Music
Music is the lifeblood of a successful party, and will do more than anything else to set the mood and tone of your wedding reception. But should you have a band or a dj? Or perhaps you should go the DIY route and use an iPod or other mp3 player. Here's advice on how to find the right wedding music for your reception.
- Pros and Cons of Choosing a Wedding Band or DJ
- Wedding Music that Will Get Your Guests Dancing
- Do Not Play List - The Most Inappropriate Wedding Music
- An iPod Wedding - Can You DJ Your Own Wedding Reception?
Wedding Flowers and Centerpieces
Wedding flowers are one of the most important aspects of a reception. They bring color, life, and scent. They help make table settings more beautiful, and can transform a formerly dull space into a beautiful personality-filled one. Yet navigating wedding flowers (and finding a florist)can be confusing. It's also easy for them to be a budget breaker. Here's my best advice on wedding flowers and other centerpieces.
- Finding the Right Wedding Florist and Signing a Contract
- Wedding Flower Checklist
- Save Money on Wedding Flowers
- FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Wedding Flowers
- Wedding Flowers by Season - See What's in Season for Your Wedding
Themes and Styles
Here are the keys making your wedding your own, infusing it with personality and style.
